US Embassy Compound Tunis, Tunisia Architect: Client: Tai Soo Kim Partners US Department of State Built Area: 11 693 m² Cost: US$ 46 676 000 3342.TUN 2007 Award Cycle The scope of the work for the US embassy compound in Tunis included masterplanning for the 84 982 m2 site and the design of a 6 750 m2 chancellery along with additional support buildings of 3 150 m2. The desire to be welcoming had to be balanced with the critical requirements for security. The site is laid out as a park in accordance with Islamic landscaping principles and planted with self-sustaining vegetation. The chancellery itself is conceived as a mansion in the park which employs indigenous stone and locally produced tile in a manner that is rooted in the historic architectural traditions of Tunisia without imitation.
US Embassy Compound Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis 2045 La Goulette Tunis, Tunisia Architects Tai Soo Kim Partners Hartford, United States of America Clients US Department of State Arlington, United States of America 1999 1999-2000 2000-2002 2002 84 982 m 2 3 630 m 2 11 693 m 2 US$ 46 676 000 The scope of the work for the US embassy compound in Tunis included masterplanning for the 84 982 m2 site and the design of a 6 750 m2 chancellery along with additional support buildings of 3 150 m2. The desire to be welcoming had to be balanced with the critical requirements for security. The site is laid out as a park in accordance with Islamic landscaping principles and planted with self-sustaining vegetation. The chancellery itself is conceived as a mansion in the park which employs indigenous stone and locally produced tile in a manner that is rooted in the historic architectural traditions of Tunisia without imitation. Commission Design Construction Occupancy Site Ground Floor Total Floor The Chancery s east elevation serves as a backdrop for the central ceremonial garden. The design represents a fresh interpretation of Tunisian architecture, using a variety of local stone and geormetric patterning inspired by regional traditions. Costs Programme The ceremonial entrance to the chancery avoids the vocabulary of high security, reaching out to welcome visitors in the spirit of democracy, while reflecting the architectural traditions of the host country. The chancery s simple exterior was inspired by the traditional houses of the marketplace, where modest white buildings conceal a vibrant patterning and details within. Glass roofed masonry projections on the south face provide temper the harsh Mediterranean sun for the interiors, while allowing views of the surroundings. Building Type 9 2007 Award Cycle 3342.TUN This new U.S. Embassy compound, located in a newly developing area of Tunis was dedicated in 2002. The architect was responsible for master planning a 84,982 sm site and design for construction of a 6,750 sm chancery, with additional support buildings of 3,150 sm. The design reflects strong influences of Arabic architecture and cultural traditions balanced with the open spirit of democracy and critical demands for security. The concept for the chancery is that of a mansion in a traditional garden, creating a park-like setting. The landscaped garden, using local self-sustaining plant materials and water features, fronts the chancery across the middle of the site on the north-south axis with view corridors of the iconographic twin peaks of Mount Bou Kornine. The architecture utilizes organizing principles and a variety of local stone and ceramic tile in a manner that is rooted in the historic architectural traditions of Tunisia without imitation. The design addresses the needs and aspirations between two cultures.
Light from skylights is shielded and reflected before entering the space. Inspired by examples of Islamic and Mediterranean architecture, indigenous stone and custom-designed tile work adorn the gathering spaces within the chancery. This site and building plan are based upon a complex set of security factors relating to external security and internal circulation patterns, allowing and encouraging interaction in a series of day lit courts. The smaller, inner- most court is of a scale similar to residences in the Medina. The Chancery s internal organization around a series of day-lit courts evokes that of the mansions of the Medina in the Islamic tradition where modest exteriors give way to richly detailed interiors. The design employs indigenous stone and locally produced tile, as well as strategies for indirect natural lighting and sun protection long proven successful in this Mediterranean climate. The three interior courts of varied size and character respond to the stringent security parameters of the chancery. The first spacious octagonal court controls entry to the chancery. The second larger court is centrally located for formal functions, as well as daily circulation and informal interaction. The smallest most inner court is restricted to serve the Ambassador s suite of offices. The interior courts, with natural lighting and opportunities for art display, provide hospitable gathering spaces. 3342.TUN
3342-TUN-panel10 3342-TUN-panel11
3342-TUN-panel11 copy
3342-TUN-additional 10 3342-TUN-additional 11 copy
3342-TUN-additional 2 3342-TUN-additional 3
3342-TUN-additional 4 3342-TUN-additional 5
3342-TUN-additional 6 copy 3342-TUN-additional 7
3342-TUN-additional 8 3342-TUN-additional 9
3342-TUN-panel07 3342-TUN-panel08
3342-TUN-panel09 TUNIS-PW-02.79.02